Take a Self-Guided Tree Sculpture Tour in Galveston
Sculpture artists turned the trees destroyed by Hurricane Ike into beautiful works of art.
Many years after Hurricane Ike, sculpture artists gave a second life to what Mother Nature was trying to destroy. Wonderful sculptures have replaced the majestic oak trees that once lined the streets and shady houses of many neighborhoods.
How Did It All Begin?
On September 13, 2008. Hurricane Ike covered most of Galveston Island in a tidal surge. The damaging combination of powerful winds and waves immediately uprooted many of the city's trees and ultimately led to the demise of thousands. Ike forced Galveston to say a sad goodbye to so many of its beautiful tree canopies, but where many saw dead trees and waste after the storm, a group of homeowners saw a chance to morph symbols of destruction into signs of rejuvenation.
What Are The Galveston Tree Sculptures?
Today, artists have breathed second life into something Mother Nature attempted to destroy. Whimsical tree sculptures have replaced the majestic Oaks that once lined many neighborhood streets and shaded homes. The sculptures - which can be found at homes throughout the island with a large portion concentrated in our East End Historical District - were paid for by private residents. The sculptures can be seen lucked into gardens and nestled inside yards for you to enjoy!
How Does The Tour Work?
The Galveston Tree Sculptures Tour is a self-guided tour open to the public! You can enjoy the tour by walking. biking, riding or any other method you choose. Please be respectful of the yards and do not enter through gates without permission. Climbing on, sitting or hanging on the sculptures is not permitted.
Where Can You Find The Sculptures?
Start: Sealy & 20th
- 1923 Sealy - "Island Totem Pole"
In honor of her late husband Roger Case. The Case family retired here from Michigan, and the totem pole represents everything her husband loved about Galveston. - 1620 Sealy - "Birds of Galveston"
This large Live Oak contains 17 birds on the branches and relief carvings of several small plants and animals around the trunk. - 1409 Sealy - Tall Ship ELISSA Figurehead
- 1212 Sealy - "Gulf Titans"
This ornate sculpture includes swordfish, dolphins, fish, and a big clamshell. - 1419 Ball - "Guitar"
- 1512 Ball - "Blue Herons on Rocky Waterfall"
- 1717 Ball - "The Geisha"
This sculpture represents the homeowner's love of the Orient and is a reminder of many trips to Japan. She is facing west to represent the direction you need to travel to get to Japan.
Head to 8th street and turn left, then left onto Ball
- 828 Ball - "Small Dolphin"
While the pod of Dolphins was being carved across the street, the young man who lived here was sad because he was not getting one. Sculptor Earl Jones surprised him by carving a small Dolphin. - 902 Ball - "Pod of Dolphins & Mermaids"
The Dolphins represent the children and the Mermaid represents the mother of this family. This had been their “family tree” and they are very happy to still have their tree, even in its new form. - 709 13th St - "Pelican with Two Alligators"
- 1302 Ball (Backyard) - "Squirrel with Acorn, Dolphin, Eel, & Dorado, Owl, Wildlife Totem Pole
Go to 18th St. and turn right one block. Then turn right onto Winnie.
- 1702 Winnie - Tin Man & Toto
King Vidor, one of the directors of “The Wizard of Oz”, was born in the front downstairs bedroom of this property. - 1123 Winne (Adoue Park) - "Grandmother Reading to Her Grandchildren"
The Adoue family donated the money to the playground park in her honor. - 1028 Winnie - "Monument to Galveston's Trees"
Turn left onto 10th St., and continue one block and turn left on to Church.
- 1016 Church - "Where Have All The Flowers Gone?"
The Japanese Yew tree was only partially dead, so the homeowner decided to have that half of the tree sculpted into hibiscus flowers, seashells and sand dollars. - 1423 Church - "Hermit Crab"
- 1618 Church - "Pelican Sitting on Piling"
Turn right onto 18th St. then right onto Postoffice St.
- 1701 Postoffice - "Angel Cradling Bunny"
Redbrick corner house. This sculpture watches over the yard which is a bird, butterfly and bunny sanctuary. - 1609 Postoffice - "Large Pelican Holding Fish"
- 511 16th Street - "OLLA"
Named for grandkids Olivia and Ella.
